How to use Hova-bator Incubator????????

trevorq · 12-12-04, 03:36 PM

I am about to have a female lay her eggs and I bought a Hova-Bator Incubator for incubating. I need to know if the piece they give you that looks like a metal mesh screen type thing is what I put the eggs directly on. The instructions say that it turns the eggs for you but I am not sure how it is going to do that with the water underneath the mesh metal thing and the eggs on top of the metal piece. If it is easier fell free to call.
9722317811

Thanks,
Trevor or Cassy

clint545 · 12-12-04, 03:48 PM

What model do you have. Mines the basic model, I think the turner is something you have to buy seperately. Plus you don't want the turner, that's just for bird eggs. If reptile eggs are turned or moved too much you'll kill the embryo(they will drown in the yolk)
Most people put their egg in deli cups or small rubbermaids etc etc.

silent_truth · 12-12-04, 03:51 PM

Well, there are different models of hovabators. I believe one of them has the capacity to rotate eggs, but I think these are made only for bird eggs. You don't want to rotate reptile eggs or they will die. The wire grate at the bottom of the incubator is just supposed to sit on the inside lip of the hovabator at the bottom. For the purpose of reptile egg incubation, It separates the water resevoirs from whatever containers you use to incubate eggs in. So essentially you get some vermiculite or perlite or your choice of incubation medium, place a nice layer of it in a container, put the lid on the container and then place the container on top of the wire grate. Make sure the thermostat is set to the appropriate level for the type of eggs you're incubating, and you're set to go! You said your female is getting ready to lay eggs. Female what?

-Adam

trevorq · 12-12-04, 04:21 PM

She is an Irian Jaya Carpet Python. Thanks so much for your help. You are a life saver. I thought Irian Jayas got to 5 feet max but this girl is bigger than my large 9' Coastal female. She is quite nice as well. What temp is recommeded? I though 82-85 would be ok. Where can I get perilite substrate? I live in Richardson, Texas if you know of any stores around here. I am also breeding my high yellow Barker female JCP and Shulette male. They are in the cage together right now. Sometims it is hard to tell them a part, but the male has a very big head. Anything else you thank I should know please let me know.

Trevor

silent_truth · 12-12-04, 06:29 PM

According to this Article from REPTILES magazine, the temps should be between 88.5 - 89.5 F . I by no means have extensive knowledge about carpet python reproduction, so maybe some of the other ssnakess.com members will give ya a hand with more detail in the carpet python forum.

Hope this helps a bit though,

-Adam

trevorq · 12-12-04, 08:05 PM

yes it does help a lot abut the incubator. That probably is the right temp for most snake eggs but I will look up caresheets for carpets as well.

Thanks,
Trevor